Geisinger honors top patient satisfaction providers

DANVILLE, PA -- Christina Appleman, CRNP, gynecology/obstetrics, Geisinger Medical Center (GMC); Mary Callahan, M.D., a family medicine physician at Geisinger-Gray's Woods; and Carlos Perez, M.D., a pediatric pulmonologist, are the 2016 Marks Award recipients at Geisinger Health System. The award is given annually to the care providers who have the system's highest patient satisfaction ratings during the year.

The award recipients had perfect or near perfect ratings according to Press Ganey's Medical Practice Survey for the 2015 fiscal year. They received their awards at February's system leadership meeting on Feb. 15.

The Marks Award was established in 2002 to honor Victor J. Marks, M.D., a Geisinger dermatologist and MOHS surgeon who served as the system's interim CEO from 2000 to 2001. It celebrates Dr. Marks' commitment to making the patient the primary focus of the organization.

"In keeping with Dr. Mark's unwavering commitment to patients, the Marks Award honors physicians identified by patients as being the 'best of our best,'" said Greg Burke, M.D., an internal medicine physician who is one of Geisinger's chief patient experience officers. "These awards acknowledge those who not only meet patients' expectations - but also exceed them."

Employed by Geisinger for 14 years, Appleman is a menopausal counselor for patients in GMC's Healthy Aging Clinic. She uses the principle "every patient, every time" to best serve patients. It's apparently resonating well with her patients.

"Christina Appleman is the most compassionate and caring provider I have dealt with at Geisinger," wrote one patient about Appleman through the Press Ganey surveys. "She listens to what you have to say and answers your questions and concerns. She does not rush you. You are a person to her, not just a number."

Dr. Callahan has been with Geisinger for 27 years serving patients in the State College area. She strives to provide caring and compassionate care daily, saying "I try to treat patients like I'd want a member of my family to be treated." Her patients appreciate her approach.

"I have a great relationship with Dr. Callahan," wrote a patient about Dr. Callahan through the Press Ganey surveys. "She is always very caring, concerned, and makes it easy to communicate."

Now with Geisinger for 19 years, Dr. Perez sees pediatric patients across the system. He focuses on the human side of his patients and says "all physicians possess the gifts to provide patients the best care possible." Parents of his patients believe that's just what he's done.

"Dr. Perez is one of the best physicians at Geisinger," wrote a patient's parent through the Press Ganey surveys. "He is very concerned for the well-being of his patients. He is a physician that will go above and beyond for your child."

Awards were also given to Geisinger care providers ranking in the top 90th percentile or better on patient satisfaction ratings for the past fiscal year. They included the following from across the system:

Frank C. Olshemski, MD, Family Medicine, Family Practice, North Washington

Michael J. Rogan, MD, Internal Medicine, Lake Scranton, CPS

Benedict B. Sales, MD, Family Medicine, Pittston CPS

Tapash K. Sengupta, MD, Pediatrics, Geisinger-Bloomsburg Pediatrics

3. Advanced Practitioners

Christina Jo Appleman, CRNP, Gynecology/Obstetrics, GMC

Stephanie A. Beamer, CRNP, Gynecology/Obstetrics, Lewistown CPS

Jennifer L. Beams, PA-C, Urgent Care, Careworks

Holly Billet, CRNP, Pediatric Gastroenterology, GMC

Alicia L. Bray, PA-C, Urgent Care, Lewistown CPS

Stephanie D. Dunk, PA-C, Dermatology, Lewistown CPS

Natalie M. Hart, PA-C, Plastic Surgery, Outpatient Specialty

Dianne C. Hickok, CRNP, Urgent Care, Careworks, Clarks Summit

Megan J. Kelly, PA-C, Urgent Care, Pittston CPS

Fred D. Kovalchick, PA-C, Family Medicine, Nicholson CPS

Sara M. Ombongi, PA-C, Plastic Surgery, GMC

Gerald F. Lacey, PA-C, AACC, FHRS, Cardiovascular Disease, GWV

Barbara L. Leauber, PA-C, MS, Child Neurology, ADMI

Eileen M. Maney, PA-C, General Surgery, Gray's Woods

Deanna R. Martin, PA-C, Pediatrics, Gray's Woods

Heather A.S. O'Brien, PA-C, Urgent Care, Careworks

Danielle M. Pardee, PA-C, Urgent Care, Careworks

Amy J. Patynski, PA-C, Orthopedic Surgery (Spine Injury), GMC

Charlea N. Pedro, CRNP, Urgent Care, Tunkhannock CPS

Jennifer L. Penland, PA-C, Urgent Care, Careworks State College

Kimberly A. Reed, PA-C, Gastroenterology, GWV

Dana L. Rubin, PA-C, Plastic Surgery, GMC

Allen D. Sabatino, CRNP, Urgent Care, Mountaintop

Elizabeth K. Scott, CRNP, Cardiovascular Disease, GMC

Evon C. Switala, PA-C, Internal Medicine, Moshannon Valley CPS

Michelle J. Thal, PA-C, Allergy & Immunology, Scenery Park CPS

Jennifer A. Torello-Denion, PA-C, Urgent Care, Careworks

Stacey A. Trovitch, CRNP, Pediatric Endocrinology, GMC

Sharon Wachob, CNM, Gynecology/Obstetrics, GMC

Diane A. Whitcomb, CRNP, Urgent Care, Mount Pocono Medical Building

About GeisingerGeisinger is an integrated health services organization widely recognized for its innovative use of the electronic health record and the development of innovative care delivery models such as ProvenHealth Navigator®, ProvenCare® and ProvenExperience®. As one of the nation’s largest health service organizations, Geisinger serves more than 3 million residents throughout 45 counties in central, south-central and northeast Pennsylvania, and also in southern New Jersey at AtlantiCare, a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award recipient. In 2017, the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine and Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital became the newest members of the Geisinger Family. The physician-led system is comprised of approximately 30,000 employees, including nearly 1,600 employed physicians, 13 hospital campuses, two research centers, and a 583,000-member health plan, all of which leverage an estimated $12.7 billion positive impact on the Pennsylvania and New Jersey economies. Geisinger has repeatedly garnered national accolades for integration, quality and service. In addition to fulfilling its patient care mission, Geisinger has a long-standing commitment to medical education, research and community service. For more information, visit www.geisinger.org, or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.